Jerry Rice on Randy Moss, 49ers’ loss

The edited transcript of the conversation between Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice and KNBR’s Brian Murphy:

Murphy: We’re trying to figure out the loss in Minnesota. Did you see that as a trap game? That after two emotional wins, the 49ers were primed for a letdown?

Rice: No, I really didn’t. I thought they would be able to go into Minnesota and really control that football game. Christian Ponder made some plays, but offense-wise the entire team looked a little flat.

Murphy: What did you think about Alex Smith’s performance? Was it a little bit of a step back, or are you still optimistic about his 2012 season?

Rice: I’m still a little optimistic. I think it’s not a step back for him, because he really protected the ball for so many games – over 200-something throws and he didn’t have an interception. So this team is just going to have to get back on track. I think once they do that, they’ll refocus. Like you said, the first two games were very emotional, and maybe it was a little bit of a letdown, but I really thought they would be able to go into Minnesota and win that game.

Murphy: I’m interested in your take on Randy Moss. What do you see from Randy so far?

Rice: I really don’t know what the plan is for him. I thought he would be more involved and that they would be throwing the ball downfield and that he would be on the field more. So I don’t know what the game plan is for using him, or what Jim Harbaugh is thinking right now. I do think Randy Moss still has some football in him, but he’s going to have to make those plays.

Murphy: Do you think that’s sort of what’s missing from the Niners? That vertical threat, the downfield threat that you thought would be Moss?

Rice: Oh, without a doubt. Alex Smith protected the ball last year; he made good decisions. But I thought that bringing Moss on, and also Mario Manningham, would open that offense up just a little more, to where they could stretch it downfield and then also have those plays underneath where they could make plays.

Rice: Yeah, he did. I think also Frank Gore broke Roger Craig’s record for rushing attempts.

Murphy: Yeah, that’s true. … So I’m looking at this, and thinking, “I wonder if Jerry’s looking in his rearview mirror.” But then I looked at the totals: Randy Moss, 14,900. Jerry Rice, 22,900 – so I think you have a comfortable lead there, Jerry.

Rice: Yeah, I’m looking over my shoulder like crazy right now (all laugh). But I’m sure that’s a great honor for him to do that. You know Tim Brown and the way he played the game, and I really enjoyed playing with him.

Murphy: Before we let you go, the Arizona Cardinals are 3-0 right now …

Rice: Who woulda thought?

Murphy: Right. And they’ve got a guy in Larry Fitzgerald who I’m sure you must admire his work very much. So this is something to be taken very seriously, right?

Rice: Yeah, you really have to look at this team. The thing about this team is that the defense was playing well last year, and now their offense is starting to catch up. Kevin Kolb is making his decisions. The last ballgame before this one, he was able to go out there and really protect the ball. I think he threw a touchdown and he also ran for a touchdown. This team is a threat right now, and I think the Niners are going to have to be looking over their shoulder at this team for the NFC West.